Air conditioning has had a huge influence on many activities in the United States since its invention. There are many events and event cities that wouldn’t exist without the introduction of air conditioning. Here are some examples:

Summer Blockbusters

Willis Carrier convinced Paramount Pictures Corporation to install air conditioning in New York City’s Rivoli Theater. As a result, people soon began heading to the movies to escape the heat during summer. Film makers quickly caught on, and began scheduling their biggest movies to come out during summer.

Medical Advances

Air-conditioned hospitals helped defeat malaria, decrease infant mortality, inhibit bacteria, and advance developments in surgery. The introduction of air conditioning has therefore helped the American population to live longer and more comfortably.

Industrial and Technological Progress

Having the ability to maintain a cool and safe temperature has helped with the development of computers, data centers, and more. These temperature-sensitive systems needed a way to stay cool to function properly, which air conditioning has provided.

Country Growth

Many areas in the United States were unbearable to live year-round before air conditioning was introduced. The South has made huge economic jumps since AC became available. Populations exploded in cities like Las Vegas and the states of Arizona, Florida, and Texas have shown tremendous growth since the air conditioner was invented.

The Demise of Summer Vacation

Before air conditioning made offices comfortable, many American workers took month-long August vacations. Even the government shut down sometimes due to the heat. Now, everyone can work in a comfortable environment throughout the year and vacations can be planned on different schedules.

Without air conditioning, the United States would be a much different place. Thankfully, most homes have central air or single-room air conditioning to keep residents cool during the warm summer months.

Talk to Diamond Heating and Cooling about updating the air conditioner, or any problems it may be having this summer. The phones lines are open 24/7 for emergencies, and we will come out to fix the issue as soon as possible with no after hour fees.

For the inside part of the air conditioner to work properly, the outside unit needs to be in good shape. The area around the outside unit can have a huge impact on how well it works. Here are some landscaping tips to help it run better:

Make Room

The outside unit needs at least two feet of space on each side. When planting bushes or other foliage, keep that in mind. If they grow too close, keep them trimmed back. This allows for optimal breathing room and enough space for technicians to easily work on the AC unit.

Cover the Ground

A layer of gravel in landscaped areas near the unit can help prevent debris from getting into the unit when there’s wind and rain. It keeps the dirt and sand from flying around.

Shade

Make life a little easier for the outside AC unit by proving some shade for it. This keeps the condenser cooler, which means it doesn’t have to work as hard. Add some surrounding plants that are tall enough to provide some shade coverage.

Shedding

Many plants shed their leaves, needles, berries, or nuts, which can pose a problem for the outside unit. Choose the plants in that area carefully, and clean up after them on a regular basis.

Storm Protection

When deciding where to place the outside air conditioning unit, look at where most of the wind comes from and if it can be shielded. If the house is no help being a windbreak, a short fence might be ideal to protect it from debris. That way there’s less of a chance of harmful dirt and debris getting lodged inside.

If the outside AC unit is experiencing an issue, give Diamond Heating and Cooling a call. 24/7 service with no afterhours fees means fast and friendly service for Boise and throughout the Treasure Valley.

The cottonwood trees are starting to release their fluffy cotton-like seeds, which can wreak havoc on not only allergy sufferers, but air conditioning units as well. As they begin to float and drift everywhere, they can become lodged in the outdoor AC unit, often creating a problem.

When too many of these fluffy seeds get sucked into the air conditioner, it can become clogged and begin to malfunction. The airflow needed to sufficiently cool the house is drastically reduced, making the system work harder. This uses more energy and wears down the air conditioner, damaging the equipment inside.

Eventually the system can even shut down from overheating, leaving homeowners with no AC, and the air conditioning unit likely damaged and in need of repairs. The condenser is usually the piece of equipment that gets damaged in this case, and might need to be replaced.

To prevent this, the outdoor AC unit will need to be professionally cleaned if there are cottonwood trees nearby. Even if there is minimal cottonwood fuzz that can be seen on the outside, it could have been sucked inside, already beginning to clog and damage the system.

If homeowners notice cottonwood flying around the yard and getting stuck on the AC unit, call Diamond Heating and Cooling as soon as possible. They can assess the situation and get the seeds cleaned out so no more damage is done. Also remember to clear away grass clippings and other debris from the outdoor air conditioning unit. Bushes and other foliage need to be at least three feet away to give the air conditioner sufficient room to work properly.

If the AC unit has already sustained damage from cottonwood seeds or other debris, Diamond Heating and Cooling will get the parts repaired or replaced to get everything back in working order so everyone stays cool in the summer heat.

If an air conditioner is not regularly maintained and used properly, it can become a serious fire hazard. To avoid having the air conditioner start a fire, learn about the most common causes of air conditioning fires:

Failure to Clean

The elements in an air conditioning unit need to be clean to work properly. If dust, dirt, and other debris accumulates in the vents, on coils, and on filters, it can obstruct the air flow. Diminished air flow can cause the unit to overheat and catch fire. Cleanliness is something Diamond Heating and Cooling looks at during their annual AC service.

Faulty Parts

If the air conditioner is not clean, then it may not have been inspected in quite some time. This allows faulty parts and equipment to go unnoticed. Faulty parts can cause air conditioning fires when left until they stop working. Having Diamond Heating and Cooling come out once a year to check the air conditioner before the temperatures heat up can prevent this problem.

Flammable Materials

Keeping items that are flammable near the air conditioner can put it at risk of catching fire. Keep leaves from accumulating near the air conditioner. Avoid storing gasoline and papers near the air conditioning unit too. A clear space of 3 feet around the unit is recommended.

The best way to prevent an air conditioner fire is to have Diamond Heating and Cooling inspect and service the air conditioning unit annually. We will check for faulty parts, make sure the unit is clean, in good repair and we can repair any issues that may be present.

To save on HVAC maintenance year-round, ask about becoming a Silver Club Member. For $13.50/month, Diamond Heating and Cooling comes out twice a year to perform maintenance. Silver Club Members also enjoy perks like 20% off repairs, guaranteed appointments with 24 hours, and much more.

This time of year, many people head out of town on vacation. With the scorching heat that is coming the Boise area, vacationers need to prepare the AC before they leave. Deciding whether to leave it on or turn it off can depend on a few key factors, such as:

Length of Vacation

For those who only plan to be gone for a couple days, it might be best to just leave the air conditioner on, but set at a higher temperature than normal. In the end, it will help save energy because residents won’t be coming home to a hot house and trying to cool it down rapidly.

For longer vacations, such as a week or more, turning the system completely off will save the most energy. However, if animals are being left in the home, it needs to remain at a comfortable temperature for them, so the AC might need to be left on at a slightly higher temperature.

Weather

Checking what the local weather forecast can give homeowners an idea of what the temperature will be while away. This can help with setting the thermostat accordingly. Weather in Boise doesn’t always follow the suspected patterns, but the forecast can still be a helpful tool.

Controlling Humidity

Air conditioners also help keep humidity down in the home. Turning off the air conditioner for long periods of time could lead to excess moisture building up in the home. This could cause moisture damage to the flooring, walls, and more.

Most of the time, setting the thermostat to a slightly higher temperature while away is the best bet to keeping the house cool and saving as much energy as possible. However, there are some instances when turning it off might save homeowners even more money. Just take the above factors into account when deciding.

Make sure the air conditioner is ready to go before another Boise heatwave with the help of the technicians at Diamond Heating and Cooling.

Air conditioners keep the house at a comfortable temperature, but what about humidity? Often as the air conditioner absorbs heat, through its evaporation process it can also absorb moisture from the air. Humidity plays a very important role in comfort and if it is too low, it can cause issues such as respiratory issues, dry skin, and more.

It’s recommended to keep indoor humidity at 35-50% so that the air isn’t dry, but it isn’t so humid that mold and mildew start to grow. Here are a few ways humidity can be increased to a comfortable level:

Plants

Plants produce moisture that is absorbed into the air, creating humidity. Having several potted plants around the house is a very effective way to increase humidity. As a bonus, some types of plants can purify the air, making it easier for everyone to breathe.

Humidifiers

One of the most common ways to increase humidity is with a humidifier. Whether it is a single room or whole house humidifier, it will help add the necessary moisture.

Standing Water

Place bowls or vases of water throughout the home. The water evaporates into the air adding to the humidity. These should be placed on high surfaces so children or pets can’t knock them over. Create a cute display with rocks and floating flowers to make them decorative.

Boil Water

Boiling water on the stove adds humidity as the water vaporizes. To help it circulate around the house, keep fans on low and turn the AC fan on as well.

Water Fountain

Decorative water fountains are aesthetically pleasing and create a soothing sound. They can also help introduce humidity into a room.

Diamond Heating and Cooling wants everyone to be comfortable while inside this summer. Homeowners who experience air conditioner problems should call Diamond Heating and Cooling to get the problem evaluated and fixed in an efficient manner.

Idaho experiences a significant amount of fluctuating weather and temperatures around this time of year. This can be hard for the HVAC system to keep up with. Keep your home comfortable during temperature fluctuations and save energy by following these tips:

Smart Thermostat

These thermostats are one of the best ways homeowners can save energy and money. They help to gain control over comfort, and have many benefits. Smart thermostats allow for automation of heating and cooling, optimizing efficiency. Often they come with a phone app too so homeowners can adjust the temperature from anywhere. Use it to analyze energy usage to figure out how to decrease it and more.

Window Treatments

Having the right window treatments can help minimize warm or cold air loss during times of fluctuation. They keep the home more comfortable without using any energy in the process.

Fans

Not everyone is ready to turn on the air conditioner yet, but with 80 degree days, the house can get a little unbearable. Delay turning on the AC with the help of fans. They might not actually cool the room down, but they can make it feel cooler in whichever room they are used.

Check the Weather Reports

It can be useful each morning to check what the weather is expected to be that day. This gives homeowners a heads up on how to program the thermostat and if they need to adjust it later on. Remember to turn the temperature up while away so the AC doesn’t run unnecessarily.

Open the Windows

Open the windows for a few hours at night or in the morning during cooler hours instead of using the AC. Then shut them before leaving for the day and turning the AC on. The naturally cool air means the air conditioner won’t have to run as often until later when the day heats up.

Talk to Diamond Heating and Cooling about getting the air conditioner serviced or a new one installed before summer hits Boise and the Treasure Valley.